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Aircraft Crash During Low-Visibility Approach to Milan-Malpensa (I-LUCK)

Milan-Malpensa, ItalyLanding (descent or approach)

On December 23, 1951, a Douglas DC-6 (registration I-LUCK) operated by Linee Aeree Italiane - LAI was involved in an aviation accident near Milan-Malpensa, Italy during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew decided to continue the ILS approach below the minimum descent altitude, causing the aircraft to struck the ground. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft struck the ground during a foggy ILS approach to Milan-Malpensa, breaking into three and catching fire. All 48 occupants evacuated, with three passengers sustaining minor injuries.

Incident Overview and Outcome During a low-visibility approach to Milan-Malpensa caused by fog, an aircraft descended below a safe altitude and struck the ground approximately eight kilometers from the runway threshold. The impact resulted in the loss of the undercarriage, and the aircraft came to rest in a field, broken into three sections and engulfed in flames. All 48 occupants successfully evacuated the cabin. Three passengers sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the crew decided to continue the ILS approach below the minimum descent altitude. This decision caused the aircraft to strike the ground.

Probable cause

The crew decided to continue the ILS approach below the minimum descent altitude, causing the aircraft to struck the ground.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Dec 1951 Douglas DC-6 accident near Milan-Malpensa, Italy?

An aircraft struck the ground during a foggy ILS approach to Milan-Malpensa, breaking into three and catching fire. All 48 occupants evacuated, with three passengers sustaining minor injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Dec 1951 Douglas DC-6 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Dec 1951 involved a Douglas DC-6, registration I-LUCK, operated by Linee Aeree Italiane - LAI, at Milan-Malpensa, Italy.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew decided to continue the ILS approach below the minimum descent altitude, causing the aircraft to struck the ground.

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